3 Things I’m Doing for Myself

As a busy mom of three, it’s hard to make time for myself. It’s easy for my days to become long and stretched thin and exhausting. I’m sure so many of you can relate. When I do have some alone time it’s often spent running errands for my family or cleaning the house. But if I’ve learned anything from the past year of raising three little ones it’s that a burned out mama is no fun for anyone. It’s kind of like when you are on an airplane and they instruct you to secure your oxygen mask before assisting others. That’s motherhood. I have to take care of myself first so that I can properly take care of everyone else. Everyone is happier if I am happy. And in order to maintain my sanity I need time to myself every once in awhile. It doesn’t have to be an entire day, just some moments here and there to rejuvenate my mind and body and feel more like myself.

I know first hand how hard it can be to put myself first. So I’m taking baby steps. Here are three things I doing for myself:

1 . Wake up before the kids. I know I’ve shared this before, but the reason I’m putting it as number one on the list is because it is THE BEST thing I’ve done for myself. I’ve tried staying up late to get a few things done, watch TV, or just sit and enjoy the quiet. And although it works, it’s exhausting. I always end up staying up way later than planned and I miss out on some quality time with my husband. So, at least a few days a week I set my alarm so that I’ll wake up before everyone else. It’s so nice to have the early morning all to myself. I can work out, make coffee, read blogs, or just be alone. It’s such a great way to start the day and always makes me feel happier and more motivated to keep up with all the things I have to do during the day. Not going to lie, some days waking up early just isn’t going to happen. Either the kids kept me up all night or I’m just too tired. And that’s fine. A little grace always helps.

2. Me time. I need time alone and away from my kids. I’m an only child and an introvert, so I’m used to having my own space. I crave it. I’m lucky that my mom lives next door and my in-laws live 15 minutes away. And they are all retired. So I have several options for child care if I need a break. Every Monday morning my in laws watch the girls while I take Hudson to school and then have some time just for me. I usually spend it working….but I’m alone, and that’s what matters.

3. Unwind at the end of the day. My days are long. And exhausting. After the kids are in bed I take a few minutes to relax, unwind, and do something that is just for me. I recently discovered Thymes and have been loving their products! I received a Thymes Beauty Bag filled with several different samples of their most popular body lotions. They all smelled so good, it was hard to pick a favorite. Being able to sample so many fragrances was so helpful because it really helped me zone in on which one was my favorite.

I finally decided on Aqua Coralline because it was so fresh and clean smelling. And Jon approved (which is saying a lot!). Thymes sent me the Aqua Coralline Body Wash, Hand Creme, Bath Salts (my absolute favorite!), and a candle. I love to use the Aqua Coralline body wash in the shower and the hand cream is SO great for my dry skin during the winter months.

I used the bath salts one night after a particularly stressful day and it just made my skin feel so good. And helped me relax. After a busy day I usually light the candle to help me unwind. It’s truly been such a luxurious and relaxing experience! I struggle with finding a scent that is truly “me”…and am so happy to finally have found it! It’s hands down the best smell ever. I’ve received so many compliments on this scent. It’s so fresh and clean and not heavy or overpowering.

The Thymes Beauty Bag of samples would make such a great gift! It’s perfect because the person receiving it can select the scent that’s right for them.

Thymes products are formulated with the utmost care. Their unique formulations are drawn from nature and crafted to create products that are good for your skin, environmentally friendly, and fun to use! They use the best natural, high-quality, and plant-based ingredients including botanical extracts, vitamins, and antioxidants.

This post is sponsored by Thymes but my love for their products is all my own.

I’ve never heard of Thieves I need to chevk them out! As a mom, it’s SO important to take care of ourselves. And I completely agree with the waking up before everyone else! I started doing this about a year ago and it makes such a difference!

Hey there! Welcome to The Girl in the Red Shoes. I’m Julie, wife to Jon, and mama to three little redheads: Hudson, Sadie, & Annabelle. I LOVE celebrating the little things, chasing around my crazy crew, over-posting on Instagram, and blogging about daily life, keeping it real, and all things motherhood. So happy you’re here!